College stages comedy-thriller 'I'll Be Back Before Midnight' through Oct. 13 at Geary

The comedy- thriller "I'll Be Back Before Midnight" written by Peter Colley, continues through Oct. 11-13 on the stage of the USU Eastern Geary Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

It is a murder/thriller with the plot centering on a husband, Greg, and his wife, Jan, who's recovering from a nervous disorder. They rent a remote farmhouse from an odd farmer who delights in telling gruesome ghost stories.

When the husband's sister arrives, all manner of frightening events occur. Bodies appear and disappear pushing Jan closer and closer to the brink of madness.

"I have so many favorite parts," stated Director Corey Ewan. "It's a ghost story and a thriller. I hope the audience keeps guessing who's doing what...It will keep you jumping and guessing to the end."

Murder isn't far down the road as the play begins in an old country house haunted by a vengeful ghost. Local rumors provide tension about mysterious murders nearby the area. Can you guess which character will be the first to disappear?

"I think we're in good shape," Ewan said. "I look at what the actors are giving and they're doing quite well. [They're] getting better and better, moving from where they were to where they are now."

Stage manager, Kris Bushman, set up a perfect stage for murder. Scenery and lights are designed and created by associate professor of theater, Grady McEvoy, and costume design is by Ewan.

Assistant costume designer is Annie Morey, and makeup is perfected by Victoria Morgas.

Freshman Miranda Cox portrays Jan Sanderson, a young wife who is recovering from a nervous disorder. She has recently been released from the hospital after a mental breakdown. Will she be able to keep it together when strange voices begin to call to her in the night?

Sophomore Timothy Swensen is Jan's husband Greg Sanderson, who recently graduated in archeology. He rents the cabin so Jan can recover, but also to try and save their failing marriage. Will he be able to handle Jan's failing sanity, or will his sister succeed in pulling them apart? "It is a show filled with scares, mysteries and surprises," Swensen declared.

Freshman Cameron West acts as the old farmer, George Willoby, who has seen the bottom of one too many whiskey bottles. Is he the classic country bumpkin he seems to be, or is there a dark truth in the ghost stories he tells? West said, "It will be a heart pounding, nail biting, pant crapping scary play...It's a three thumbs up!"

Freshman Brynne Hunt play Laura Sanderson, the husband's interfering sister. Manipulative and lustful, she is very close to her brother, driving another wedge between the deteriorating relationship.

Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $7 for senior citizens, $5 for non-USU students and faculty, and as always, $2 for USU students with a current USU activity card.